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Welcome home to 2767 Maggie Woods Place in Lakeland, an amazing all on one level brick home that you will have to see to believe! It is conveniently located close to shopping, Wolfchase Galleria, dining, parks and recreation. Built for entertaining, this spacious home offers an open floor plan, gas fireplace, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, high ceilings, gleaming wood floors in all the bedrooms, durable tile floors, laundry closet, garage, and so much more! Enjoy comfortable everyday living in the captivating great room flaunting a cozy gas log fireplace with tile surround, soaring ceiling, cooling ceiling fan/light, neutral colors, durable tile floors, and is open to the kitchen. Cooking will be a delight in this incredible eat-in kitchen with laminate floors, pantry, soaring ceiling, full complement of appliances including a self-cleaning oven, range, microwave, dishwasher, and double sinks. In addition, this kitchen offers a sunny breakfast area enhanced with a dazzling chandelier. You will rest easy in your master retreat with walk-in closet, gorgeous wood floors, coffered ceiling, and a cooling ceiling fan/light. The private master bathroom boasts a nice vanity area, and a tub/shower combination. This home offers two additional bedrooms each complete with beautiful wood floors, closets, and a shared full hall bathroom with a tub/shower combination. Relax outside in the fenced backyard with a delightful patio, perfect for cookouts and parties!

Melissa Thompson has distinguished herself as a leader in the Memphis TN real estate market. Melissa assists buyers looking for Memphis real estate for sale and aggressively markets Memphis TN homes for sale. Melissa brings with her a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Memphis TN home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why her clients benefit from her unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future Melissa Thompson will help make the most of your Memphis TN real estate experience. Give her a call today, 901-756-8900, and discover the difference she can make during your family’s next move.

Some experts are advising that first time and move-up buyers wait until they save up 20% before they move forward with their decision to purchase a home. One of the main reasons they suggest waiting is that a buyer must purchase private mortgage insurance if they have less than the 20%. That increases the monthly payment the buyer will be responsible for.

In a recent article, Freddie Mac explained what this would mean for a $200,000 house:

However, we must look at other aspects of the purchase to see if it truly makes sense to wait.

Are you actually saving money by waiting?

CoreLogic has recently projected that home values will increase by 4.3% over the next 12 months. Let’s compare the extra cost of PMI against the projected appreciation:

If you decide to wait until you have saved up a 20% down payment, the money you would have saved by avoiding the PMI payment could be surpassed by the additional price you eventually pay for the home. Prices are expected to increase by more than 3% each of the next five years.

Saving will also be more difficult if you are renting, as rents are also projected to increase over the next several years. Zillow Chief Economist Dr. Svenja Gudell explained in a recent report:

"Our research found that unaffordable rents are making it hard for people to save for a down payment ... There are good reasons to rent temporarily – when you move to a new city, for example – but from an affordability perspective, rents are crazy right now. If you can possibly come up with a down payment, then it's a good time to buy a home and start putting your money toward a mortgage."

The Delta Fair is a classic. It's a week, September 4th – 13th, of midway games, rides, livestock and homemaking competitions, exhibits, and more.

The Delta Fair & Music Festival brings the communities of Memphis together to celebrate the area’s rich art, music and culture. In addition to the lineup of homegrown musicians performing across a diverse range of genres, the festival offers a wide variety of entertaining attractions like a motorcycle stunt show, live chainsaw sculpting, a Mexican rodeo, a mini tractor pull, laser tag, magic shows, a demolition derby and more. The 4-H and FFA Children’s Barnyard features kid-friendly exhibits and an opportunity to feed live farm animals, and one of the festival’s highlights is the Banana Derby, where Capuchin monkeys are the jockeys in an adorable dog race.

Did you know that the Delta Fair & Music Festival has more LIVE music than any other event in Memphis? Over 150 acts on 3 stages! From regional legends to local super talent, Memphis means music. The event will showcase world-class talent with roots in the Delta. Some of this year’s entertainers include:

If the rides, concerts, games, and fair food aren't enough for you, check out these other attractions.

Livestock

Children's Barnyard

Monkey Show

Ostrich Racing

The Delta Fair Beauty Pageant

Petting Zoo

Fireworks

Classic Car Displays

Magic Show

Demolition Derby

Rodeos

What would a visit to the fair be without filling up on the good old-fashioned fair food! You’ll find everything from Pronto Pups to Funnel Cakes and everything in between! Whatever you decide, we can all agree that state fair foods are the best!

Digital Risk recently polled Millennials about the housing market. Among their findings was the fact that nearly two-thirds of the generation who have recently purchased a home, have done so with less than 20% down; with 36% putting down less than 5%!

Here is a graph detailing the results:

This means that more and more American’s between the ages of 18 and 34 stopped paying their landlord’s mortgage and started building their own family’s wealth.

Millennials aren’t the only ones taking advantage of lower down payments.

The Federal Reserve Bank of New Yorkfound that if the down payment required to purchase a home went from 20% to 5%, a renter’s Willingness To Pay (WTP) increased by 40%.

The problem is that thirty-six percent of Americans still think a 20% down payment is always required when buying a home. Many renters may actually be able to enter the housing market sooner than they ever imagined with new programs that have emerged allowing less cash out of pocket.

Bottom Line

If you are one of the many renters now realizing that the home of your dreams is obtainable now, contact a local real estate professional who can guide you through the process.

A trip to Dinstuhl's is a fantasy for your taste buds. Memphis' chocolate paradise for more than 100 years specializes in all types of candy. If it is sweet and delicious, then Dinstuhl's makes it best. You owe it to yourself, or someone special, to stop in.

The Dinstuhl Family has been making quality candies in Memphis for five generations starting with Charles Martin, Sr. in 1902. Dinstuhl’s prides itself on using fresh ingredients such as butter, cream, sugar, and their own special blend of milk and dark chocolate. Each unique formula is hand stirred in small batches just as it was in 1902.

If you can imagine it in chocolate, Dinstuhl’s can probably make it happen. They offer customized candies and chocolates with over 2,000 molds in all shapes and sizes. Imagine your name spelled out in chocolate letters or edible table numbers to direct your guests to their places! They can create elegant trays and centerpieces, personally designed gift boxes and baskets, plus more to make your event unique and delicious. For those with dietary restrictions, the kitchen is certified Kosher, and there’s a special area where the staff makes dairy-free chocolate.

If you’d like to get your hands on some of Dinstuhl’s candies, you’ve got options. They’ve got locations in Germantown, in the Laurelwood shopping center in East Memphis, and on Pleasant View. If you’re not in Memphis, you can order online.

You will certainly not be disappointed -- these chocolatiers have been in business since 1902 and their expertise is evident in their product. Even today, it is still possible to find one of the Dinstuhl's in the kitchen “Cookin up a batch!”

Welcome home to 450 Ashton Woods Court, an amazing home nestled in the Ashton Woods Subdivision in prestigious Collierville. Built for entertaining, this spacious home offers an open floor plan with impressive formal rooms, plus comfortable everyday living spaces. Quality features include gleaming hardwood floors, fresh neutral paint, new carpet downstairs, fireplace, crown molding, 4 bedrooms plus bonus room, fenced backyard with in-ground pool, 2 car garage, and so much more! Enjoy comfortable everyday living in the captivating great room flaunting a cozy gas log fireplace, and a wall of windows overlooking the gorgeous backyard. Cooking will be a delight in this incredible eat-in kitchen with cabinet and counter space galore, tile backsplash, durable tile floors, breakfast bar, pantry and a full complement of appliances. In addition, this kitchen offers a sunny breakfast area. Host the finest dinner parties in the romantic dining room. You will rest easy in your downstairs master retreat with a walk-in closet and spa-inspired luxury bathroom featuring double vanities, relaxing whirlpool tub and a divine walk-in shower. This home offers an additional master suite upstairs with a private bathroom as well as two additional bedrooms which share a full hall bathroom. Upstairs you will also find a large bonus room offering a great space for a home office and recreational fun with a back staircase. Relax outside in the fenced backyard with a sparkling in-ground pool with new liner, and a nice deck, perfect for cookouts and parties! This amazing home is in the Collierville Municipal School District!

Melissa brings with her a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Memphis TN home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why her clients benefit from her unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future –Melissa Thompson will help make the most of your Memphis TN real estate experience. Give her a call today, 901-756-8900, and discover the difference she can make during your family’s next move.

Welcome home to 8565 Woodland Rose Circle S., an amazing home nestled in the gated Woodlands of Cordova Subdivision. Built for entertaining, this spacious, one-story home offers an open, split bedroom floor plan with quality features including gleaming hardwood floors, neutral colors, fireplace, granite galore, crown molding, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, high smooth ceilings, oil rubbed bronze fixtures, arched doorways, security system, covered patio, two-car garage, and so much more! Enjoy comfortable everyday living in the captivating great room open to the kitchen flaunting a cozy ventless gas log fireplace with mantle and tile surround. Cooking will be a delight in this incredible kitchen with desirable granite countertops, tile backsplash, breakfast bar with accent pendant lighting, maple cabinets with self close hinges and whisper glide drawers, pantry, full complement of stainless steel appliances including a self-cleaning oven, microwave, dishwasher, double sinks and cook-top. Host wonderful dinner parties in the romantic dining area embellished with a dazzling chandelier. You will rest easy in your master retreat with a walk-in closet and spa-inspired luxury bathroom enhanced with a dual sink granite vanity, durable tile floor, relaxing whirlpool tub and a divine walk-in shower with tile surround. This home offers two additional bedrooms which share a full hall bathroom with granite vanity and a tub/shower combination. Relax outside in the delightful backyard with a nice covered patio, perfect for cookouts and parties!

Melissa brings with her a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Memphis TN home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why her clients benefit from her unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future –Melissa Thompson will help make the most of your Memphis TN real estate experience. Give her a call today, 901-756-8900, and discover the difference she can make during your family’s next move.

If there is anything that can strike fear into the heart of a home owner, it’s being faced with that wall of paint strips in the home improvement store.

Yellow is not just yellow….it’s hundreds of choices and tones and not a single one seems right.

And the reds? Is it a blue red or an orange red? Which one will most give you that striking magazine look in your dining room?

I once collected over 15 sample bottles of paint in an attempt to find the right vanilla cream color. To say it was frustrating was an understatement and if the walls had not needed to be painted badly (and weren’t covered with swatches of all 15 colors), I probably would have given up and left the entire thing alone.

You don’t have to do that. Rather than stress about it, there are some pretty simple tools available to test paint colors virtually.

Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore both have online tools that allow you to upload a photo of your room and test out literally hundreds of paint colors in the privacy of your home. (Just click the photos below for links to the tools)

Welcome home to 9061 Winding Way, a lovingly maintained stately home with the ultimate flowing floor plan allowing for both relaxed and formal entertaining. Hardwood floors, plantation shutters, 4 bedroom suites, 6 full baths and 1 half bath, multiple fireplaces, smooth ceilings, built-in book shelves, security system, 3 car garage, multiple HVAC units and hot water heaters, irrigation system, outdoor kitchen, fire-pit and a sparkling gunite pool are just a few of the perks waiting for your enjoyment. A captivating great room flaunts a cozy gas fireplace and an amazing wet bar with granite and ice-maker. Cooking will be a delight in the spacious kitchen with cabinet and granite counter space galore, a full stainless steel appliance package, including a Viking 6 burner cook-top, vent-a-hood with warm lights, dishwasher, refrigerator, wine cooler, and double ovens. The charming eating area shares a two-way fireplace with the hearth room, with built-in bookshelves and is a nice place to relax with family and friends. Formal dinners can be enjoyed in the lovely dining room with crown and chair railing moldings. Rest easy in your master retreat with sitting area, walk in closet, 13x15 exercise room, spiral staircase leading to the bedroom suite upstairs, and luxury bath featuring whirlpool tub, separate shower and dual vanity. The additional bedrooms each have their own private bath. Huge bonus room offers fantastic space with a wet bar and private bathroom, and the spacious sunroom is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee with tons of light beaming through the skylights and walls of windows. The large laundry room will help you keep things organized with plenty of cabinetry. Situated on a large, level one acre lot, the backyard offers a wonderful patio with plenty of space to entertain, fire-pit, in-ground gunite pool and a covered outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigerator, bar area and bathroom. A three car garage completes this ultimate package of a home! A real show stopper! Do not hesitate, this gorgeous Germantown home won’t last!

Melissa brings with her a keen eye for the details of buying or selling a Memphis TN home and seemingly boundless determination and energy, which is why her clients benefit from her unique brand of real estate service. Rooted in Tradition, Focused on the Future –Melissa Thompson will help make the most of your Memphis TN real estate experience. Give her a call today, 901-756-8900, and discover the difference she can make during your family’s next move.

If you haven’t been to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens lately, you’re totally missing out. Enjoy great works of art, lush gardens, educational programs, family workshops, and festive special events year-round. The gallery features the Mid-South’s largest collection of impressionist paintings and decorative art, as well as rotating special exhibits

Founded in 1976 by Hugo and Margaret Dixon, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a fine art museum and public garden distinguished by its diverse and innovative programs in the arts and horticulture. The Dixon features a permanent collection of over 2,000 objects, including French and American Impressionist paintings and significant holdings of German and English porcelain.

The museum organizes and presents eight to ten exhibitions every year, the diversity of which appeals to visitors of all ages. The Dixon’s seventeen acre campus is highly regarded public garden that includes formal spaces, woodland tracts, and cutting gardens. The museum sits within four principal outdoor sculpture gardens with Greco-Roman sculpture. Its site was landscaped in the English Garden style with open vistas adjacent to smaller, intimate formal spaces. The major areas within the gardens are the Cutting Garden, Formal Garden, South Lawn, and Woodland Gardens.

The Dixon Education Department strives to reach diverse audiences and provide an environment that applauds personal interpretation and advances creative thought. The Education Department promotes interest in the arts and horticulture through specific programming for children, adults, and outreach groups. Some of the Dixon's programs include our children’s program Mini Masters, the adult lecture series Munch and Learn and our school outreach program Art to Grow.